The United States Bowling Congress kicked off the 2017 USBC Open Championships at South Point hotel-casino's Tournament Bowling Plaza.
Over the next 149 days, the tournament will bring more than 10,000 teams and 50,000 bowlers from around the world to compete in the 114th edition of the event.
The evening began with a welcome reception, complete with cocktails and small bites. To kick off the opening ceremony, 28 five-player teams marched out onto the 60-lane facility.
USBC Executive Director Chad Murphy, South Point Arena General Manager Steve Stallworth, South Point Bowling Director Michael Monyak, Las Vegas Visitors and Convention Authority’s Vice President of Customer Experience Hugh Sinnock, and Las Vegas Events’ Vice President of Development Dale Eeles were part of the ribbon cutting.
Immediately following, the audience enjoyed live entertainment by Defending the Caveman. In addition, a randomly selected competitor, “Joe Bowler,” was chosen to throw out the first official ball of the competition.
To conclude the ceremony, players participated in a Mass Ball Shot, where one bowler on each lane rolled a shot at the same time. Competition for score began immediately following the ceremony.
The 2017 Open Championships will run daily from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. and will conclude on July 16.
For more information about the 2017 USBC Open Championships, visit BOWL.com.
